FIRST THESSALONIANS
(From the Daily Drop of Water Series)
by Rev. Jerry L Holcomb
CHAPTER ONE
(1Th 1:2) “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; (3) Remembering without ceasing your work of faith,….” Faith is believing what God has said and acting upon it. It is therefore when one works in reaction to wanting to please Him that the Lord blesses. Such a person has faith that the Lord will bless their labors, for they are for Him and not for self.
(1Th 1:2) “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
(3) Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love,…”
There seems to be two types of people who take part in the work of the church. One are those who work as if they are serving in a club and two, those who are working in demonstration of their love for the Lord. Anything you do: read the Bible, pray, attend church, serve in the church, should be to reverently demonstrate your love for the Lord.
(1Th 1:3) “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope….” “Hope”, the expectant looking for the sure coming event of the Lord’s Rapture of His saints, is something we each long for. Patience rest in trust, faith. The Lord always keeps His promises and none and nothing can prevent His doing so. So, keep looking, keep longing, and keep faithful in service, looking expectantly for He Who you love!
(1Th 1:3) “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” All of our hope, our service to the Lord whether that be at church, job, or home, we are to do it “in” the Lord. The Born Again Child of God has been place “in” Jesus Christ. Our hearts are to be focused upon this service as “unto the Lord”. May He bless you with such a mindset this day! I invite you to www.thirstingsouls.com for more Bible Instruction.
(1 Thess 1:3)“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” When you are speaking about the things of God or when you go to Him in prayer, does it come into your heart to call Him, “Father”? You see, the saved were adopted into God’s Family the moment He gave them the gift of everlasting life. That Spirit moves our soul to cry out, “Abba, Father” : (Gal_4:6) “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” This is not something you teach yourself to do; it is something that comes natural. If you do not have this, you still need to be saved.
(1Th 1:4) “Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.” The Lord, before time began, knowing man would sin against Him, determined to save the repentant through faith in the sacrifice of His Son in their place. “Elect”: here’s how I elected to do it. These are “elect” in that they are saved from among those who will not be saved. The Holy Spirit is having Paul verbally acknowledge that these are God’s, the “elect”. Why say it? Because it focus’ glory upon the God of grace and mercy: (Rom 11:33) “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”
(1Th 1:5) “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance;” Notice that which will accompany the gospel if we will give it in truth – the full gospel. The full gospel is not only the telling of the death, the burial, and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus but also “why” it had to take place so that repentance might come. The Holy Spirit bears witness to the heart with much assurance that these facts are truth. And then when the individual repents in heart, the power of the Holy Spirit gives life to the individual’s spirit, imparting the gift of everlasting life!
(1Th 1:7) “So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. (8) For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia,..” It is evident that when one truly lives for the Lord according to the revealed Word of God, they will stand out from the world as different. They will respond differently; they will live differently; they will think differently.
(1Th 1:9) “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;” This living in separation from the norm, was something the lost and the saved could both recognize. This world has its idols still: the idols of pleasure; the idols of money; the idols of things; the idols of achievement. Yes, Christians enjoy things, earn money, accumulate things, and achieve – yet they guard their hearts and thus their actions for the glory of He Who saved them.
(1Th 1:10) “And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” I could not imagine what it would be like to know that because of me God’s Son still laid in a grave today. It is hard enough to know that my old sinful nature, my willful acts of sin and those I am ignorant of to this day, are responsible for His sufferings and death. Thank God He raised my precious Lord from death’s hold! Thank God He sits now in heaven awaiting the time to come and call the Christian dead to life, and those alive to immortality!
(1Th 1:10) “And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” There are two ways a person might find themselves looking at this verse. One: “the wrath to come” referring to the judgment of hell for eternity or “the wrath to come” referring to the seven years of tribulation. Since we know this Book tells us the Son of God is coming to take us away, Rapture us away, then we know it is referring to the Tribulation Period. This Rapture could very well be within the lifetime of you who are reading this! Praise His Name!
CHAPTER TWO
(1Th 2:1) “For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:”
We are always looking for “results” when we give out the gospel. What are the results we are seeking? Rightly we are seeking the salvation of souls. Yet, that is not the only result of giving forth the gospel. There is the blessing of obedience upon ourselves. There is also the witness into this world of what God has done: light shining in darkness. And there is the witness that shall be called forth at the Great White Throne Judgment against those who chose darkness over light. The Word of God is always true: (Isa_55:11) “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” We may not be around to see a positive result later on. Remember, we are sowing. The reaping may be someone else’s privilege.
(1Th 2:2) “But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.” There will always be those who will resist the gospel. They love their sinful lives too much. The thought of “giving up” the things they love and desire is just too high a price. We are to be steadfast, unmovable in such situations, yet not contentious. We are to be bold in the Lord yet, (2Ti_2:25) “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” Such restraint and perseverance goes against our old nature. It can only be accomplished by our willingness to yield to the Spirit of God.
(1Th 2:3) “For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:….” The context of the word “exhortation” – to build one up – is giving the gospel to the lost. Interesting, for they would hear the message, and their soul would say, “They are asking me to give up my life”. That is, give up their sinful lifestyle. From their point of view this is a negative. But the truth is, it is just the opposite. We are offering them a positive, a lifting up. In Jesus’ Own Words, “life, and that more abundantly”!
(1Th 2:3) “For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:….” There is a tendency to “water down” the gospel to make it more inviting to the lost. We speak of the great love of God, which is indeed part of the gospel, yet do not mention the need of repentance (the desire to turn away from our sinful ways). Such a tendency is “guile” – deceit. It is not truth. We may get a “convert”, but are they truly converted? It is God that bestows the gift of salvation, responding to the heart of the lost. Salvation is not received by a prayer as if it were magic or automatic. It is a gift given by Almighty God. Be honest and sincere, giving a full gospel so that men and women, boys and girls can make a heart’s decision, a true and right response.
(1Th 2:4) “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak;…” We who have been saved through the precious blood of the Lord Jesus, hold a sacred trust. That trust is that we will give that same message out to others. And when we do, that we will give it out fully and honestly. Have you and I been true to that trust?
(1Th 2:4) “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.” I had a living testimony from my own godly grandfather, a lay-minister, of taking a stand in church all alone. We do not seek to please man, but God. The context here is in giving the gospel, but surely it included standing for all the Word of God. Never lower the standard of God’s Word for anyone! We are to love the Lord above all others – period. God help us to do so!
(1Th 2:4) “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.” The Lord “trieth” our hearts. He knows the true motivations of why we do what we do. On the other hand, He knows the true reasons we don’t do certain things. We are to judge our own motives before Him and correct them in order to please Him. Ask Him to reveal to you where you fail Him! He wants to help you and guide you to live as He would have you live.
(1Th 2:5) “For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:” In presenting the gospel, or even in the teaching of instruction to the saved, it’s purpose is not to build up the ‘old man” (flattery). The flesh, the old person that still is a part of us, is sinful and corrupt to its core. The lost need to comprehend this, forsake it, and turn to Jesus as their only means of forgiveness and righteousness in God. The Bible teaches the saved to render “the old man” dead and seek to allow the new nature in Christ to live and reign through the power of the Holy Spirit.
(1Th 2:6) “Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.” I have had church people that have said to me, “They (the people) didn’t appreciate what I was doing so I stopped.” We are to “do” because it is right to do – period. It is needed. We are serving the Lord, seeking His praise.Otherwise, the praise of men is the reward we chose.. I would much rather have what He has chosen to give me than the praise of men.
(1Th 2:7) “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:” How like the Lord this is – gentleness and at the same time strength. The Lord was so gentle children came to sit with Him but so bold He said what should be said with it needed to be said and stood when He needed to stand. Fallen men see meekness as weakness. It is not. It is the image of Christ Jesus!
(1Th 2:7) “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:” Sometimes we expect more of a Believer (a turned-from-sin, born-again, Spirit indwelt Child of God) than we should, simply because they have not had time to grow. Yet, on the other hand, there are some things we should see as evidence of their genuineness. One: a deep desire to please Him, to obey Him (Php_2:13) “For it is God which worketh in you both to will (this means “to desire”) and to do of his good pleasure.” The other is a desire to grow closer to Him, as a child with a parent: (Gal_4:6) “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” These two things will be found in the heart of every true child of God.
(1Th 2:8) “So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.” Oh, to have such a heart for the souls of others! Honestly, I have never come close to such a heart as this for souls. I will not seek excuses for such a selfish heart as mine. I will only say, “Lord, help me to care enough about souls to be willing to do what I can to reach them!”
(1Th 2:10) “Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:” “Ye are witnesses,….we behaved…” God’s people are watching you and me. That is a fact. They compare our life to what they know of God’s Word. What do they see in your life? It is one of faithfulness to the teaching there, or is it hit and miss? Hit and miss says my love for Him is so-so; I and me-and-mine come first. It is the Lord who should come first and not anyone or anything should come before Him.
(1Th 2:11) “As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,” Paul did not look upon those of the church as pawns to be moved, or people that worked for him. He looked upon them as members of his family – his children. He encouraged them in the things of God. He was there to comfort them in times of distress or failure. And he instructed them in the hard things (charged) as well as the things that are easier to receive. May the Lord take each of us to such as pastor. Let these words enlighten our ministry towards brothers and sisters in the Lord.
(1Th 2:12) “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.” I wish to first look at this verse from that the literal standpoint of “walking”, taking the Lord along inside us. Are the places we take Him worthy? Do we expose the Holy Spirit to uncleanness? Do we expose Him to blaspheme against Himself!? When I worked amongst the unsaved and heard the damning of my God, I would say, “It’s not His fault! Your Words have meaning and in your frustration you are damning the God I love.” You have to work, but do you take Him and subject Him to that which you do not have to?
(1Th 2:12) “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.” Yesterday I wrote of walking worthy of the Lord in a literal sense of where we take Him. The true sense of the Word is “in all our attitudes of heart and thoughts of the mind” – both things that precede and cause our actions. We need to walk worthy of the Lord. In other words, in the same way our Lord would. We are to seek to reprogram our minds (Rom 12:1-2) as to walk worthy of the Lord. Do you desire this? Are you seeking daily to so this? To truly walk worthy, we are going to have to put action (the seeking of changing the way we think to conform to God’s Word) to a desire to please Him.
(1Th 2:13) “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” Here we have the correct outlook towards the Bible. It is God’s Word. It bothers me when I hear men say, “Well, Paul was saying this because….” as if it was his motivation instead of writing what the Holy Spirit said. Men spoke as they “moved”, carried along, by the Spirit of God to pen His Words. The only words in the Bible that are the words of men are found in the historical books that recorded what took place accurately in every way! You can trust your King James Bible.
(1Th 2:13) “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” Because man has the tendency to look at individual passages rather than the Bible was a whole book; because man has a tendency to take away “the sting” of confronting people with their sin and thus speaking of the need to repent and ask forgiveness; man speaks of “believing” only, to the saved. “If you believe God will save you.” Belief in Scripture is the embracing of and acting up the message of the gospel, “Turn fully in your heart from the sin that caused the death of Jesus and the Lord will save you through His blood and His resurrection life from a sentence of hell.”
(1Th 2:13) “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” Since our King James Bible is the Word of God, you can embrace and act upon everything it says. Every saved child of God is living evidence of this. The Word of God continues to speak to the saved soul and the Spirit of God empowers that soul to greater and greater heights of understanding and holiness of living. Praise the Lord!
(1Th 2:14) “For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:” Those that are persecuted for embracing the Lord as Savior and then seeking to walk as He walked, join others before them that have suffered for the same thing. That persecution can come from family, on the job, and even for one’s political position “if” the reason for that position comes from a conviction towards God’s Word. Our love for our God and Savior is to exceed all others and guide our conduct upon this world.
(1Th 2:15) “Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:” There have been vile men over these many years since the crucifixion of Christ, who took this verse as justification to persecute the Jews. They were lost men. I say this because the heart of the repentant saved man says, “I am the reason Christ died! I crucified Christ!”
(1Th 2:16) “Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.” Israel is a great picture of the surety of our salvation. It is given us through the Lord Jesus as a covenant, thus the term “New Testament” – New Covenant. God made a covenant with Abraham, with Israel, and with David, all concerning Israel. Although they cause Him to judge their sin and were placed as it were “on the back burner” – that covenant still stands and will be fulfilled. So it is with our salvation. God always keeps His Word. He promised to save my soul and did. He even sent a guarantee – His Holy Spirit placed within me. I am already there in the mind of God.
(1Th 2:19) “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? (20) For ye are our glory and joy.” I draw your attention to the fact of the focus of Paul – not self’s growth, self’s walk with God. When the Lord comes for us at the Rapture, Paul’s glory and joy will not be in himself, but in others he has brought to Christ. How different than how we think today! We speak of how much we have grown in the Lord. Our focus is all wrong.
(1 Thess 2:19) “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? Oh what a thought! Jesus could come today! Today! While I am getting dressed to go to gather with His Church; while I am on my way there; or when I am gathered with them; or….when I come home for the afternoon – He might very well call me and my brethren up into the clouds! Keep listening this day for the trumpet, for it might sound! Keep looking towards the heaven, for they might part! Today might be the day we see the face of Jesus our Lord!
(1Th 4:1) “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.” It always fills me with wonder when I see the word, “beseech”, written to you and me. And that is it in truth. The Bible is written to you and me. “Beseech” means “to beg”. The Lord Who suffered Calvary for our sins is begging us to live our lives to please Him in a greater and greater way! I don’t know about your heart, but mine says, “All right, Lord. Show me the way.”
(1Th 4:2) “For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.” The Bible does not contain suggestions on how to live, but commands. I am not asked what I think of it, or if I desire to obey. The Lord knows that the truly thankful will submit, for they will see His Word as something to be obeyed – like it or not. The Born Again Child of God knows that in order for God to forgive their sins and take them into His family, those sins had to be paid for through the awful sacrifice of Calvary. With thankfulness and love come obedience.
(1Th 4:3) “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:” “Sanctification”: separation unto God. We are separated unto God through the blood of Christ in salvation. What is referred to here is called “practical sanctification”, which means to separate from sin in our daily lives. We are live with the constant thought of God living in us in the person of the Holy Spirit. We are no longer our own – we are bought with a price. He is worth it! He is worthy!
(1Th 4:4) “That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;” The reprogramming of our minds as instructed in Romans 12:1-2 is to bring our thoughts and actions into align with God’s. We are fleshly, and this flesh is corrupt in its influence of our thinking. It is through this flesh we are exposed to the influence of this world. Notice in our text the reference to the body. It is called a vessel. It houses your soul and if saved, your spirit, as well as the Holy Spirit of God. This is how God sees you. Your body is a vessel, to be used for Him!
(1Th 4:4) “That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;” One seems to naturally think of “honor” as that which men give one another. This is speaking of the honor of the Lord. As we seek to live a separated life from sin before Him, giving Him the glory for whatever good men see in us, the Lord God will receive the honor due His Name. It is vital for the saved man or women to reflect praise to He Who deserves it.
(1Th 4:5) “Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:” “Concupiscense” is a lust or desire for that which God says is wrong.
The fallen nature is naturally rebellious, longing for the forbidden. The new nature of the saved desires the things of God, thus the conflict within all truly saved people. What governs the choice of the saved? The level of their love and devotion to their Savior: “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” (Jn 14:15).
(1Th 4:5) “Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: (6 ) That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter:” The word “defraud” is an extension of the word “lusts” and to be interpreted in the context of “concupiscence” – desire for what is wrong. So, it would be to cheat or to deceive another in other to gain what they have. You and I are to be as honest as the day is long, for our Lord is as honest as the day is long. In all things we are to seek to do as He would do. Lord help us to do so.
(1Th 4:5) “Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:(6) That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.” There is a group of people today who say they are Christians but instead worship a God of their imagination, not the God of the Bible. Our God not only loves the sinner, but also hates the sin. The death of His Son proves that fact. He chastens true Children for their rebellion, just as a good parent punishes the rebellious child. Is your God the God of the Bible?
(1Th 4:5) “Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:(6) That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.” We often find ourselves discouraged when we discern someone we esteem not doing what we believe to be right to do. This is especially true when that someone is a spiritual leader. Always remember, the Epistles were given because we need instruction on how to overcome the old nature. Our sin nature gets in the way of living and doing right. Keep your eyes upon the Lord, not man – no matter who that man is. I follow Him. Do not let the sins of any man keep you from serving the Savior!
(1Th 4:7) “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” A holy thing is anything that is separated unto God. If an unholy, unclean, person touched it, it was made unclean. The saved have been separated, made holy, unto God. We are to keep unclean things from it. That is, we are to seek to maintain our bodies, holy in thought, thus in what we see and hear. Actions are the result of what we think, who and what we are. Keep yourself holy for your God and Savior!
(1Th 4:7) “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” We do not come to the knowledge and salvation of everlasting life without the Lord’s calling, “drawing”. The Bible says all men have gone “out of the way”. It says, “ No man seeketh after God”. Since that is true, God then draws us to Himself. Oh how wonderful and merciful our God is! He seeks out those who have sinned against Him and saves them through the blood of His Own Son!
(1Th 4:8) “He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.” If you are rejected or in some way persecuted for living for God, then it is not you who they despise, but the Lord in you – the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus told us that men love darkness rather than light. This is absolutely true. Fallen man will love you as long as you walk in agreement to them. But light reveals what is in darkness and who wants their sin revealed? Regardless, walk in way of the light, for you have been called to that life.
(1Th 4:9) “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.” I believe that in this matter of love, Believers fail the most. We love like the world loves; we love those who love us. Fleshly love is not sacrificial. The love spoken of here is God’s love, His loving through us, for it is sacrificial. It’s the love that is to love the unlovely. We even see sacrificial love less and less in our homes. If we cannot sacrificially love those even in our homes, we won’t love the true brothers and sisters of Christ. And we certainly won’t love those outside the brethren. Challenge yourself regarding the type of love you demonstrate.
(1Th 4:9) “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.” Question: if you are taught of God to love one another, then why do we not see more sacrificial love? There are only two possible answer I can think of: one, we are so rebellious as to ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit to love; or two, we are not what we profess to be. I ask you before God today, “Which are you?”
(1Th 4:10) “And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;” One might ask, “If this is God’s love coming through His Spirit in me to others, then why would it need to increase more and more?” Answer: you and I each moment take back or give up ourselves to His service. I remind you of the filling of the Spirit’s instruction: (Eph 5:19) “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” What is that all about? Answer: the focus of the heart. Our minds are thinking of our Lord and thus on his work – therefore we are more ready to yield and love.
(1Th 4:11) “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;” We live in a society where people boast of their aggressiveness. This is not the Spirit of Christ. We are always to be bold in speaking the truth, but at the same time, harmless as a dove. The wisdom to live this way can only come from a yielded heart to the Lord, asking Him moment by moment to direct us.
(1Th 4:11) “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;” “To do your own business”: we would say, “Mind your own business”. Our pride fools us into believing what we think is always best and right. In reality, we look down upon those who do not think as we think and do as we do. This is the sin of pride. The standard for all things is God’s Word – period. A person’s taste in color is every bit as right as what you might choose. That goes for clothes, cars, homes, etc..
(1Th 4:11) “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;” I once heard a preacher say, “The Lord always calls people who are active, doing something.” I know when He calls a man into the ministry, it is always those who are already busy for Him. Laziness is the essence of living for self. I am afraid churches have a great many lazy people. We are saved to work through the New Testament church to minister and reach others. The Lord is not as concerned about your comfort as He is His work. What is it that you do in your church?
(1Th 4:11) “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; (12) That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” “Work” so that you may “walk honestly” in the sight of the unsaved. The more wicked this world becomes, the more such men and women shine in the darkness. We want the blessings of the Lord. The Lord never blesses sin, so He will never bless the dishonesty of one of His children. Do right!
(1 Thess 4:12) “That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” “Toward them that are without”, referring to the unsaved. This is not figurative speech, but plain honest spiritual truth. Those who receive spiritual life from above, by that very occurrence, are made different, separated from this world. Our citizenship transfers to another place – God’s home. Our nature changes making our desires different. Our relationships change, for we are made children of a new Father. It is an exclusive position of the redeemed by the blood of God’s Son. The question you should honestly ask yourself is this: “Am I in or out?”
(1 Thess 4:12) “That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” “….that ye may have lack of nothing.” The Lord gives us health, abilities, and the mental acuity to supply our own needs. He therefore will not do for us what He has given us the means to do for ourselves. He does not do for the lazy. It is true of our private life and is true of our work for Him in His church. We are to be busy. He then blesses the work of our hands. Let us with joy work in His fields.
(1Th 4:13) “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” Those who give themselves to Jesus in salvation come to a different end than those who do not. The body of the lost die to corruption, the saved to “sleep”, meaning that body will rise again, changed. What a blessed hope!
(1Th 4:14) “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” Notice those that sleep (the body in the grave) are not in the grave, but with God. The Lord Jesus will bring them back to unite with their bodies, (verse 16) “…and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” Paul penned that he was looking forward to being, “absent from body and present with the Lord.”
(1Th 4:15) “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.” The whole subject of the this and the next few verses that follow is the resurrection and the taking of our bodies to heaven. This is very much a part of the hope of salvation. After seven years from that point those bodies (the saved) will be allowed to return with Christ Who will reign a thousand years. Point: the hope of the Christian is not being a spirit to lie on a cloud and play a harp all day. The hope of the saved is to live, work, serve, and enjoy life as it was meant to be.
(1Th 4:16) “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” I wonder what the Lord will shout: “Come forth”, as He did at Lazarus’ grave? There, the Lord Jesus specifically said, “Lazarus, come forth”, for one has well said, “If He had specified Lazarus, all in the graves would have come forth.” Will He shout, “Come home”? Such a shout would include those who are alive at that time. My heart will continue to listen for the shout, and no matter what the words, my body, soul, and spirit will respond in joy!
(1Th 4:16) “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” The Lord always keeps His Word. He said to the disciples: (John 14:2c) “… I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Notice the emphasis of our verse, “For the Lord HIMSELF….” My God is the Promise-keeping God!
(1Th 4:16) “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”
One should be careful when interpreting Scripture to leave out assumptions, or at least acknowledge to self they are assumptions. Most say, “…with the voice of the archangel speaks of Christ being over the angels.” Maybe. This we do know, He is Lord over all, (Heb 1:7) “And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. (8) But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever:” Jesus as Lord could be using the angel to shout, to speak, to command others. The next chapter says we (man) are lower than the angels. If they obey Him, so should you and me!
(1Th 4:17) “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” The phrase that distinguishes this event from the Second Coming of Christ is “…to meet the Lord in the air”…..” When the Lord Jesus returns to this earth, His feet will first touch the earth of the Mount of Olives. Point: the Lord speaks precisely in the Bible. He Who created words is capable of saying what He means. Pay close attention when reading God’s Word. There is a lot of gold there in the picture of silver.
(1Th 4:17) “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” I often wonder about those who claim to know and love the Lord, yet have trouble being faithful to all the services of the Church. Here we are told of a day when “…..we will ever be with the Lord.” They seem to have no stomach for Him three times a week, how do they think they will be happy with Him forever?
(1Th 4:17) “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” There is no greater comfort in the face of death than to know it is not the end. If that person has been born again spiritually through a time and place of salvation, then we have had such an experience will unite again with them someday! I for one look forward to that day!
(1Th 5:1) “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. (2 ) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” The Day of the Lord is not a day of joy, but of judgment. It is the Lord reigning over, judging, evil. The heart of God’s people have been changed to desire right over wrong; to see the Lord uplifted in holiness over unrighteousness. It will come suddenly, unexpectedly. Even so, Lord Jesus, come!
(1Th 5:3) “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” As I speak to people today, I find that most of the time their understanding of God is not that which has been revealed as the God of the Bible. Their God is a god of the imagination – their desire. “He loves me and blesses me though I walk in sin (as revealed in the Bible)” They see “peace and safety” when God is actually ready to come and punish sin. God hates sin so much He judged it on His only Son Jesus Christ on the cross. Open the Bible to the New Testament and begin to learn of the true and living God.
(1Th 5:3) “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” Notice the words, “shall not escape”. Oh, if only we feared God today. The truth is, most everyone does not. We give Him lip-service and then chose in what ways we will obey. We say I love Him and do as I love me. Because He is gracious and long-suffering men think He will do nothing. We have fooled ourselves. Judgment is coming. I wonder how many of us are truly saved! In light of the cross repent and give Jesus your heart while you still can.
(1Th 5:4) “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” At the rebirth our spirit is made alive. With it comes the ability to perceive spiritual things as the Holy Spirit speaks to our spirit. This is what is meant by the phrase “….are not in darkness….” God’s people know the time of Christ’s return is rapidly approaching, for this world is openly and without shame nor restraint practicing sin. We also know that the longsuffering of God does have its limits. Warn others while you can. Seek to snatch their souls from the fire while you still can!
(1Th 5:5) “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” Is it determination of mind that makes one the children of light and the other the children of darkness? Is it infant baptism and thus the choice of religion? Neither. It is a supernatural work done upon individuals old enough to understand on the cross of Calvary Jesus bore their sin. He died and rose again the third day to give life to those whose hearts leads them to repent. Repentance is a desire not to sin against God any more – period. Nothing held back. He then bestows the Gift of Everlasting Life, spiritual life making them Children of Light.
(1Th 5:5) “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. (6) Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” Take close notice of what this is saying. The lost are of the night, not the saved. What do people do at night? Sleep. When it come to spiritual things, this world is sleeping. Since you still are in the flesh and live in this world, be careful not to sleep along with them. Watch yourself, live for the Lord, we sober (right thinking).
(1Th 5:6) “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. (7) For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.” Because man lives in the moment, he thinks he has gotten away with sin against God: (Psa 94:7) “Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.” He has not. Our country has decided not to enforce our laws, but God will enforce His! There is a coming day of judgment. Be not as the lost of this world. Do right before God!
(1Th 5:8) “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.” “The hope of salvation”: the word “hope” is not to be understood in the same way it is used today. We “hope” for things that may or may not happen – I hope to win the Reader’s Digest drawing. “Hope” in Scripture means “a looking for a sure coming event”. I place that helmet on my head letting it guide my thoughts and actions.
(1Th 5:8) “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.” Put on the breastplate – protect your heart. Faith protects the heart, for faith believes all the Lord has said and stands upon it: “I will never leave nor forsake thee”; “Thou shalt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed (focused) on Thee”; etc.. It seems that a lot of those professing faith have a head knowledge of Scripture that doesn’t reach the heart to stay. Their heart remains exposed to unbelief, the greatest of insults of God.
(1Th 5:8) “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.” Put on the breastplate of faith and love. How does love protect the heart; when we love greatly we can be hurt greatly? Answer: love is not an emotion as much as a determination that no matter what the response from another, we will obey the command of God to love. Love does not look after self, but is focused upon the best for someone else. That focus protects our heart, for we are neither disappointed nor upset by their response, for it is their good not ours we are seeking.
(1Th 5:9) “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,” Since we are “appointed”, already given, heaven instead of hell, we are to live like it! We are to live in this present world as those appointed to salvation: wise as to living in the last days, the tremendous wrath and devastation of the Tribulation Period before us; by faith hold to the truths revealed in the Bible; in love looking past each person’s outward offense to the very need of their soul.
(1Th 5:5) “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. (6) Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. AND (1Th 5:10) “Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.” Context proves this is written to the saved, Children of Light. The call is to watch and be sober, living for His glory (faith), seeking the souls of others (love). Verse 10 proves it is not the watching, the obedience that saves – salvation is already possessed (again, Children of Light), we will live together with Him. That fact should not keep us from being obedient, but should motivate our hearts to obedience.
(1Th 5:11) “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” I remind you this is written to (1Th 1:1) “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians…..” If you forsake God’s plan through the local New Testament Church and lie to yourself saying, “I can worship anywhere – at home, in a park, etc.” then you are disobedient to God and rob yourself and others of what is written in verse 11. Our Lord said He would build His church. God’s plan is through the church where He provided pastors and teachers and bestowed gifts upon his people to minister. Any other method of seeking to be “spiritual” to the casting away of faithful attendance is disobedience and will not be blessed. We will each give an account of ourselves before Him. Ask yourself if your excuse will hold water.
(1Th 5:11) “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” How often do each of us take this word “comfort” to a degree not pleasing to God. Here is what I mean: the person we are seeking to comfort has not done right and we talk around it rather than being honest. Have we helped them in the way pleasing to the Lord? Does the Lord deal in lies or in truth? We are to (Eph 4:15) “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” We don’t wish to hurt their feelings, but silence is agreement in the heart of the other person. We have not helped and truly comforted if we have not represented our Lord with truth.
(1Th 5:11) “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” I cannot help but wonder if we practice edifying. Do we seek to encourage others in our conversations? Gossip does not edify. It tears down. Politics can bring a person down faster than anything. Do we look for the good in others and comment upon it? Lord help us to seek to lift others up in every conversation in sincerity and truth.
(1Th 5:12) “ And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;” This speaks directly of our relationship to our pastor(s). We are to get to know them. Period. We are to have more than a “Hi it’s Sunday” relationship. These men are our shepherds. They are even to admonish us when necessary and are able to do so through the relationship we have taken the time to build with them. Since we have already been commanded to love the brethren, it is not wrong to say we are to love our pastor(s).
(1Th 5:12) “ And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;” Most of us are so proud, that if our pastor should admonish us, we would leave the church. We do not walk humbly before our God and man. Did you know that the Bible never uses the word, “proud”, in a positive way? It is always sinful. We speak of having “pride in ourselves” as if it is a good thing. Pride is of the devil. Our Lord walked in humility. “It is enough for a man to be as His Lord…..”
(1Th 5:13) “And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” In other words, “Get along with one another in a manner pleasing to God.” Remember, this is written to churches. So often “getting along”, or “being at peace” with one another simply means we hold in offences. That in turn causes inner turmoil and gossip, for people do not keep it all in. When a person offends us, we are to in love go to that person. Why? Because we wish to love one another and keep things holy and pure in the sight of God.Be godly. Do right.
(1Th 5:14) “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” The word, “unruly” here actually speaks of insubordination. We have been told that we live in a democracy (We actually do not. We live in a republic which is why we have those who are supposed to represent us. If we lived in a democracy we would have a personal vote on all things that affect us.) This has affected our thinking so much we think we should be able to vote or have a say on everything that happens in our church. That, brother/sister is a club mentality. We have been given a Pastor to rule over the church (Heb 13:7). I would guess you flinched over the word, “rule”. I did too. Yet, it is true. This is God’s plan. And remember, anything with two heads is a freak. So, we are not to be insubordinate towards our leadership. (Be sure to read tomorrow for more on this subject)
(1Th 5:14) “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” Yesterday we wrote a few words about not being “unruly”, insubordinate. I said the pastor was to exclusively rule. What I did not have space to write is that leadership in Scripture is servitude to Christ and to others. Remember, love thy neighbor as thyself is to put others before self. (Matt 22:39; Phil 2:3-4). So, we are not speaking of a dictator, or a lover of money, but a man who seeks the welfare of the church as a whole over ‘me and mine’.
(1Th 5:14) “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” “feebleminded”: little spirited, faint hearted. There are those who, seeing the signs of the times, will be weak spiritually. Instead of looking down upon such, we are to exhort them, lift them up. We are to be their encouragement to keep on keeping on, walking with and in the Lord. Be patient with them, you that are spiritual. Walk in humility. Remember, we are each to be encouraging each other in the faith.
(1Th 5:14) “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” The church is not a building, but the people of the building – the adopted children of God forgiven and born through the blood of Christ Jesus. They are now brothers and sisters in a greater sense than physical brothers and sisters. The Thessalonians suffered persecution because of their faith. As they looked at the circumstances, there were those who were weak and needed a relative to come and put his or her arm around them to strengthen them. So it is today. Are you in need? Tell your brothers or sisters. Do not be ashamed, for we are in great need of humbling ourselves before others.
(1Th 5:14) “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” “Be patient towards all men”. It can be easy to lose patience towards those who are belligerent to the gospel. These are often haughty. Being patient does not mean do not be bold in standing for the gospel. One can strongly stand for the truth and do it with a godly attitude. Meekness does not weakness. In this case humility working with patience would mean remembering we were once lost without hope. It is remembering their soul is worth your patience. Even a proper rebuke can be done with the right attitude.
(1Th 5:15) “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” The saved are to behave themselves as the Lord Jesus would, as Romans puts it, “ But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ…..” (Rom 13:14 ). We are to put ourselves aside and react to people as the Lord would react. No easy but possible through humility before Him and asking that the Spirit of God give you the ability. We often think of “I can do all things through Christ” as over problems, but it includes living as He would have us to live.
(1Th 5:15) “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” Of course, when it says “follow that which is good”, it is referring to “in the sight of God”. I ask, “How can we know what is good if we have not read all the Bible? It is there God reveals how He sees right and wrong.” People think they can trust their heart to tell them what is “good”; or their conscience. No. The heart is so deceitful that only God knows it and the conscience is defiled by sin. First, be saved, born spiritually from above. Second, read the Bible.
(1Th 5:16) “Rejoice evermore.” One seldom hears outside of church, Believers rejoicing, giving the Lord praise or thanks. Why is that? Is it because we are so focused on the world and our activity that we forget our God? The Bible says, “Thou shalt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee”. God help us to keep our focus on things above and before a world of lost give glory to God! Rejoice!
(1Th 5:17) “Pray without ceasing.” This verse proves that one should walk and talk with the Lord. Talking with the Lord constantly as we move throughout our day gives us the consciousness of being in His presence always. We should find we sin less against Him, for we are conscience that moment of our thoughts and actions before Him.
(1Th 5:18) In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Does the Lord mean, “everything”? That is what it says. Our God created language, so He is quite capable of saying what He means and meaning what He says. What if the situation is terrible? Thank Him for being there with you and giving you an opportunity react in a way the lost world can see and give Him glory!
(1Th 5:19) “Quench not the Spirit.” The truly saved, each born again person, has become a temple in which the Holy Spirit lives. He is inside us to teach and guide us in the service of our Lord. Although He could, He does not exercise dominion over our being, but allows us to still be self-willed. We must seek His guidance, we must seek His desires for us, we must seek His power to work through us in the reaching of souls and ministering to the brethren. Self-will quenches His service to and towards us. “Quench not the Spirit”.
(1Th 5:20) “Despise not prophesyings.” The prophesying spoken of here was the giving forth of the New Testament before it was completed. Today it would the forth-telling of the Bible. I find it sad the number of professing believers today who have no real taste for the Word of God. The Bible says it is our spiritual food (milk and meat). If they are what they profess to be, their souls and spirits must be anemic.
(1Th 5:21) “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” Prove all things. Just becuase we like a thing or desire something does not make it “good” in the sight of God. Most often the question is, “Will this bring me closer to the Lord or further away?” There is a standard of “good”. That standard is the Bible and our love for it and our God. He is to come first before everyone and everything – period.
(1Th 5:21) “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” Prove all things means to test all things next to the light of God’s Word. Not all that is said to us in the Name of the Lord is right. We have an obligation to know the Bible so that we can rightly “prove” all things said to us. We by our fallen nature have a tendency to be impressed by man, especially if they have “Dr” before their name. Be careful. “Prove” all things. That this is right according to the Word of God – hold fast unto.
(1Th 5:22) “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” The believer is to be very much concerned of their testimony. It is important what people think regarding you, for you no longer represent you upon this earth but your Lord. We are to seek to avoid even the appearance of doing wrong. Our Lord’s reputation is at stake! Are you guarding it?
(1Th 5:22) “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” I have heard people react to this verse by saying, “No one has the right to judge me.” Friend, there is a difference between judging and drawing a conclusion. Moreover, the world is full of problems in both our lives by those who make assumptions. The point is, this is the way it is. The souls of those around us are more important to the Lord than what we desire to do that appears evil. Others before self. Souls before pleasure.
(1Th 5:23) “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; ….” To “sanctify” means to separate unto God. Anything separated unto God becomes holy in His sight; it becomes His. In the salvation experience, one is put in Christ moving us from a position outside of Christ to “in” Christ, making us “sanctified”. Tomorrow we will write more regarding what is being said here.
(1Th 5:23) “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; ….” Since we are fully set apart through the salvation experience and made citizens of heaven (Phil 2:19), this must be referring to “practical sanctification”. That is, our daily walk with God as we live in this world. Our old nature sins against God and those sins need to be confessed and forsaken. That what the Scripture means when it says, (Jas_1:27) “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this,……..to keep himself unspotted from the world.” Lord, give us such a heart!
(1Th 5:23) “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Notice the mention of the “spirit”. This is made alive when one repents and gives their heart to Jesus by faith believing in His death in their place, paying for their sins, and then His resurrection. The Bible teaches all who are lost are dead spiritually.Heaven – a spiritual place. Want to go there? You must then be made spiritual. Jesus said, “Unless a man be born of water (physical birth) and of the spirit (spiritual birth) he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” Do you need proof in yourself? This new life gives you new desires, first and foremost for the things of God. Do you have that?
(1Th 5:23) “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Notice the prayer, the blessing here pronounced: “sanctify you wholly”; “be preserved blameless” until the Lord comes for you (“for you” being implied). Notice it is God doing the sanctifying and the preserving. We cannot in this sinful body do either. It is Jesus Christ that saves and saves completely! He and He alone should receive the glory for your life!
(1Th 5:23) “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Praise God the Lord Jesus is coming! He is coming first to take His Own redeemed, those who turned from their sins giving Him their heart. Those He will give gloried bodies like unto His Own! What a glorious day that will be. Here’s the thing. It could be today. If He were to come this very moment, would you be ready? I mean ready. Saved? No sin between you and Him? Looking forward to it?
(1Th 5:24) “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” Do what? Context: preserve your body, soul, and spirit blameless unto Jesus’ coming to get us. Many put this back upon the believer with their doctrine – “I have to be faithful, preserving myself.” This is wrong. My salvation is not about my ability or consistency of works; it is all about the faithfulness of He Who promised. Will a true believer continue as faithfully as they can? Yes. It is the evidence of true salvation. Notice how the two go together, (Eph 2:8) “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Thirsting Souls Bible Teaching 